GB1075678A - Flight simulators - Google Patents

Abstract

1,075,678. Flight simulators. STANDARD TELEPHONES & CABLES Ltd. Dec. 13, 1963 [Dec. 17, 1962], No. 49439/63. Heading B7W. A flight simulator comprises a television camera 2 moved in response to control signals to produce for at least part of the simulated flight an electrical analogue of a simulated view from an aircraft, said view having a first surface 4 simulating the earth's surface, e.g. a seascape and a second surface, dome 3 simulating the sky, the camera 2 and the dome 3 being movable together in at least the direction Z corresponding to altitude and the camera being movable in at least one other direction X. As shown, camera 2 may be moved along axis Z which represents altitude by carriage 10 and moved along axis X by carriage 9. The camera may be rotated about an axis 13 parallel with axis Z as shown by the arrow. Model 1 supported on carriage 6 may move parallel to the axis Y. The rotation of the camera about axis 13 causes rotation of the viewing axis 15 and simulates alterations of heading of the aircraft. At 16, the extremity of the camera, is placed a 45 degrees mirror constituted by a rotatable isosceles rectangular prism which when rotated simulates pitch of the aircraft. Between position 16 and the target electrode of the camera is placed a Wollaston prism which is adapted to rotate about the Z-axis and simulates the roll of the aircraft. Supported by the camera is an horizon system 21 one face 21a of which is frosted while face 21b is clear. When holder 22 leaves the vertical position face 21a covers up the object of the camera simulating during rotation of holder 22 the passage of the aircraft in a cloudy region. The horizon line defined by the intersection of celestial dome 3 and the sea scenery 4 is displaced according to the altitude function Z through link 24 attached to dome 3 and a slider 25 linked to part 10. Reference has been directed by the Comptroller to Specification 993,289.